I know I should listen to people about not getting in the water during or after a big storm. The wind was just too good to ignore last Sunday. I got sick like 24 hours after kiting the bay last Sunday at Alameda. My fever broke last night and finally started feeling good this afternoon.

there's a pretty bad flu bug going around...it could be coincidence. You were likely pretty chilled after kiting, which could have hastened the cold's arrival...

I'm no doctor, but i seem to remember viruses can't survive long outside a host, so it's not that likely you'll get a cold or flu from the water. i've been mildly ill after some sessions, but I'm assuming that's from bacteria (which can and do live in the water)

my guess is, you were already sick, but getting really cold and wet just made you get sicker faster.

Yes you are going to get cold during those crazy storm session man or even if you taking a break for a few minutes. My remedy - after you done, get dry fast, and increase your internal warmth with a few shots of good whisky or cognac, works like magic and it makes you feel so good and happy Ö.. Try it.

Adam, I agree with you about the cold and wet, but there are plenty of other things other than viruses that can be in water and make you sick. Sewage spills would carry bacteria like E. Coli. Also, apparently cholera moves around the world on plankton, gets eaten by fish, and then into humans who eat the fish.

I used to purchase water test kits from surfrider foundation awhile back and I make my decision to go play in the water based on the test results.

I don't recall getting sick during the times that I used the water test kit. Its not full proof, and it can get pricey keeping the kit with me all the times during winter sessions, but probably worth it since I reduce the chance of getting sick from bad water conditions.